Mysuru: In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure in the twin districts, the state govt has approved a long-pending proposal to upgrade trauma care centres at two district hospitals and nine taluk hospitals.The hospitals covered include Mysuru District Hospital and taluk hospitals in Nanjangud, Heggadadevanakote, Hunsur, Periyapatna and KR Nagar in Mysuru district, along with Chamarajanagar District Hospital and taluk hospitals in Kollegala, Yelandur and Gundlupet in neighbouring Chamarajanagar district.According to a govt order issued on Friday, the upgrades will be carried out under the National Trauma and Burn Care Management Programme. The comprehensive plan aims to strengthen trauma care services by enhancing emergency response capabilities and critical care infrastructure through the procurement of advanced medical equipment and ambulances.An outlay of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for the purchase of essential equipment and 13 ambulances, including two advanced life support (ALS) units and 11 basic life support (BLS) units. The govt has granted conditional approval to invite tenders under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act after finalising the equipment list.The approved list includes key trauma and surgical support systems such as image intensifiers (C-Arm), trolley-mounted 3D ultrasonography units, 500 mA X-ray machines with darkroom facilities, and 100 mA portable X-ray machines. Operation theatre upgrades will include four-section orthopaedic OT tables, shadowless ceiling lights, and anaesthesia machines with six- to eight-channel monitors.Hospitals will also be equipped with mono and bipolar cautery machines, high-vacuum suction units, pneumatic tourniquets, general surgical instrument sets, orthopaedic instrument kits, power drills and saws, splints and traction systems, patient-warming devices, and rehabilitation training kits.Health department sources said strengthening trauma care at taluk hospitals would greatly benefit the rural population, which is currently forced to travel long distances for advanced medical treatment during emergencies.“Both districts have an extensive network of state and national highways and are witnessing a rise in accident cases. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on district hospitals in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar,” a health department official said.Chamarajanagar district health officer Dr S Chidambara said the upgradation of the taluk hospitals will help to provide treatment for victims locally. He also stated that these equipment are required to treat the patients during accidents and other emergencies. He also stated that the govt assured of providing human resources in the next phase. “Currently ALS ambulance is not available in Chamarajanagar district. Its addition will be very much helpful,” he said.
